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LYRICS AND IDYLS 

By 
NELLIE C. r. HERBERT 




Boston 

RICHARD G. BADGER 

The Gorham Press 

1907 



Copyright 1907 by Nellie C. T. Herbert 
All tights reserved 



LIBRARY of CONaF2E9S. 
Two Gtples R«co!ve<a 

DEC 18J907 

C»pyrigni tntry 

CI.ASS4 _XX6. Nu. 
COPY B. 






The Gorham Press, Boston, U. S. A. 



To 



My Daughter Gladys 



CONTENTS 

UAurore 9 

Music lO 

To My Father's Memory 10 

The New Moon 1 1 

Courage 12 

Morning at Lake Hopatcong 14 

'"Tis in My Memory Locked" 15 

On Receiving Violets in Winter 16 

Vanquished 17 

Consolation 1 7 

To Madame Lehmann 18 

A Photograph 19 

Hymn to the Evening Star 20 

Dolce Far Niente 20 

A Voice in Church 21 

A New Tears Wish 22 

In Autumn 22 

Bon Voyage 23 

A Night Song 24 

A Gray Day 25 

As I Saw Her 25 

Lily of the Valley 27 

To a Lady Pouring Tea 27 

Constancy 28 

The Lorley 29 

A Song 31 

To Miss R 33 

Divided 34 

A Yachting Song 35 

To Sleep 36 

5 



At Glen Onoko 37 

An Evening in August 3^ 

Pansies for Thoughts 39 

The Storm 40 

Enthroned 41 

A Written Confession 41 

Beside the Sea 42 

My Dream 43 

To Madame Adelina Patti 44 

Contrast 45 

In the Catskills 46 

When Swallows Flit 47 

The ''Bud" of Eighty-eight 48 

Helpfulness 49 

To a Bluebird 49 

Mutability 50 

Aspiration 51 

To My Friend 52 

Why 52 

Rondel 53 

To the Raritan River 54 

Big and Little Fishes 55 

Love's Demise 5^ 

Confidence 5^ 

Visions in a Dream 57 

In Florals Bower 5^ 

Con Amore 59 

Life and Death 60 

The Ideal and the Real 61 

A Woodland Revery 61 

A Message 63 

To Paderewski 64 

6 



Chrysanthemums 64 

To President Benjamin Harrison 65 

A Melody 65 

Platonics 66 

Ode to Happiness 67 

A Lament 68 

Soeur Seraphine 69 

A nglicized 7 ^ 

The Old Spinning-wheel 72 

The New Home 73 

T he Gipsy's Greeting 74 

Playmates 76 

The Simple Life 77 

The Afterglow 78 

The Highest 79 

Afar 79 

Thy Name 80 

For Thy Dear Sake 8 I 

A Cycle of Twenty-five Tears 82 

A Little Girl's Letter to Santa Claus 83 

To My Mother on Her Eightieth Birthday . . 85 

Retrospect 86 

T he Awakening 87 

Snow Birds 88 

Winter 89 

Return of the Birds 90 

In Memoriam {Mother) 9*-' 

Gates Ajar 92 

On the Shrewsbury ()1 

The Thrush 94 

To Gladys 94 

Hunting Song 95 

7 



T ing-a-Ling-a-Ltng 96 

The Tryst 99 

To My Love 100 

To Gladys 1 00 

In Dreams lOi 

God's Glory 102 

/^ Greeting 103 

The City 103 

The Country 104 

y/ Letter to be Opened at Sea 104 

When Love is at the Helm 105 

Chateau en Espagne 106 

To a Humming-bird 107 

Heimiveh 107 

To on Her Birthday 108 

To Gladys Gathering Roses 108 

To 109 

Slumberland River 109 

In Blossom Time IIO 

Home Links Ill 

Mirage ill 

Roses or Rue II2 

Beacon Lights 113 

Within 114 

Thou Art to Me 1 1 5 

To Terpsichore II5 

Nightingale I16 

From My Window I17 

Robin Redbreast 118 

U Envoi 119 



LYRICS AND IDYLS 



L'AURORE 

The mountain-top is touched with light, the vale 
Lies yet in shadow, the full moon is pale, 
The western wind sweeps over meadows green, 
All fresh and dewy in their silvery sheen. 

See! in the East the glorious orb of day 

Arises to pursue his western way. 

All things rejoice in Nature newly-born. 

And tuneful songs of birds announce the morn. 

She comes, Aurora comes, the fairest queen 
Of light and beauty mortal ere hath seen, 
Most radiant one; she who with rosy lips. 
The sparkling dew of morning lightly sips. 

From flower to flower goes she, just pausing 

where 
Is found the one to her of all most fair. 
Awakes the morning-glory with a kiss. 
And sets it all a-tremble with its bliss. 

"Joy Cometh in the morning," may it be 
That hearts uplifted shall give thanks to Thee, 
And struggle onward, to attain the height 
Of day eternal, where there is no night. 



MUSIC 

There is a realm wherein 't is joy to dwell; 

There do I flee when troubles o'er me roll. 
Transported by the soft ^olian winds, 

A happiness sublime swells o'er my soul. 

Away from carking care and mundane things, — • 
Away from earth's base and ignoble strife, 

To Euterpe's fair kingdom, where I breathe 
An atmosphere of purer, sweeter life. 

Her eight fair sisters oft do beckon me, 

And woo me to them with a charming grace, 

Yet ne'er can they prove rivals of the one, 

To whom my heart leaps when I view her face. 

O, loveliest muse of all, grant me this boon; 

Wilt thou attune my days to a sweet song ? 
And when I bid farewell to time and tide, 

May heavenly music bear my soul along. 



TO MY FATHER'S MEMORY 

Dear pilgrim who so bravely traveled o'er 

Thy long life journey, with staunch heart and 

true, 
As thou would'st be done by, so did'st thou do 
To others, and so many burdens bore, 
For those who bent beneath misfortune's load, 
Along the hard and toilsome earthly road. 

10 



A friend to all, an enemy to none, 

No man e'er harbored bitter thoughts of thee, 
For thou wert kind and just, nobility 
Of character was thine, and what was done, 
By thee was rightly done and fairly won. 

Yet in thy home the fairest fruits were seen, 

And, there the sorrowing ones thou left be- 
hind. 
Their sweetest solace and sole comfort find 
In looking back, thinking what thou hast been 
To them — they love to keep thy memory green. 

And always as stretch on and on the years, 
That memory will abide a potent guest, 
An influence prompting us to do our best, 
To live a life like thine, and all our tears 
Be quenched in hope, thus banishing our fears. 

We look beyond the veil, for well we know, 
This separation 's short, and we shall be 
With thee again for all eternity. 
Earth's sorrows thus will small and smaller grow, 
Until they fade, while utmost joy be given, 
And re-united we shall dwell in heaven. 



THE NEW MOON 

Outlined against the darkling blue, 
The little silver crescent hung; 

Upon the serene Summer air. 

The flowers their fragrance flung. 
II 



"Now make a wish," said Lillian, 
For know you not whatever boon 

That of the new moon you may ask, 
It will be granted soon ? 

"O'er my right shoulder I can see 

The silver gleam; good luck be mine, 

My wish I'll make quite secretly, 
That you may not divine." 

He smiled upon her, as they stood 
Beside the casement opened wide, 

"I've made my wish," said he; "it is 
That you may be my bride." 

Lifting up her fair sweet face. 

She looked at him with mock surprise. 

"Why, that is what I wished!" she said, 
The love-light in her eyes. 

Ah, little moon — 'twas thus you brought 
Together loving hearts and true. 

They might have drifted far apart, 
Had it not been for you. 



COURAGE 

Dos't thou only see 'round thee a dreary and 

desolate waste ? 
The cup that is thine seeming bitter and brackish 

to taste ? 

12 



Is the world filled with gloom — the blue of thy 

sky over-cast ? 
Courage, weak heart, for surely light cometh at 

last. 

Does the rain-fall unceasing, the sobbing and 

sough of the wind 
Bring naught that is peaceful, but only despair to 

thy mind ? 
Look up and beyond, let thy gaze pierce the 

shadows that fall; 
Duty ever is stern, but thou must respond to the 

call. 

Life may be hard, but try to look on the bright 
side; 

Raise the banner of Hope, and troubles may 
thus be defied; 

If we strife with our might it is all that we mor- 
tals can do. 

The dark clouds will part, and the sun's golden 
rays will shine through. 

Look forward, not back, the present and future 

are thine; 
Let thy watchword be courage, do not sit down 

and repine; 
Shed kindness around thee, 'though it may seem 

all in vain, 
Some day thou shalt know a returning, and list 

to the sweetest refrain. 



13 



Then courage, dear heart, for others have been 

tried as thou; 
Keep a brave spirit, prepare thee to do battle 

now; 
Battle 'gainst evil and weakness, battle for truth 

and the right, 
All that now is in darkness shall one day be 

plain to thy sight. 



MORNING AT LAKE HOPATCONG 

Fair gleaming mirror on the mountain top. 
Reflecting heaven's blue, the sunlight's ray. 

And the surrounding peaks that lift their heads 
Whereon the changeful lights and shadows play. 

No roughening winds disturb thy tranquil calm. 

A few white sails, like birds with outspread 
wings. 
Flit o'er thy surface; on the wooded shore 

The thrush his joyful hymn of morning sings. 

The wild flowers nod their dainty heads to greet 
The welcome breeze, and gently to and fro 

The delicate ferns wave; in profusion wild 

The white and yellow bright-eyed daisies grow. 

All Nature is harmoniously bright. 

And, as I gaze, a wish has come to me: 

As thou art now, unruffled, placid lake. 
So may my life be typical of thee. 
14 



"'TIS IN MY MEMORY LOCKED" 

Tonight the murmuring rain falls on the roof. 

Alone I sit, and listen to the voice 
Of the awakened past. I seem to be 

Powerless to close my ears, I have no choice. 

That evening when the moonlight flooded all, 
And Summer sounds and perfumes filled the 
air, 
We looked together out upon the world. 

And deemed that God had made it wondrous 
fair. 

And I was happy. What you uttered then 

Found echo in my heart. You thought I 
mocked; 

'Twas but my joyousness; for what you said — 
'"T is in my memory locked." 

And then my laughter fled; for words like yours 
Are deep and earnest; yet I answered nay — 

A woman's nay! Perhaps; I cannot tell, 
Instead of that I meant to answer "Aye." 

But you, with countenance downcast and pale. 
Bade me farewell; and what you said to me 

'"T is in my memory locked"; no one shall open 
it 
But you yourself; none other has the key. 



15 



ON RECEIVING VIOLETS IN WINTER 

Dear friend, to-day 'mid falling snow. 
There came to me a breath of Spring, 

And made me happy, so accept 
My thanks for thy sweet offering. 

Let storm and tempest rave without, 
Encompassing me around with gloom. 

Thy violets seem to smile at me, 
And make a sunshine in the room. 

And dreamingly my roving thoughts, 
Go here and there, as when I trod 

The sea beach strand with thee, or put 
Beneath my feet the Summer sod. 

Once the wild violets round us grew, 

You picked them for me, they were sweet 

With Love's own fragrance, and I thought 
The precious moments all too fleet. 

They faded, and I thought your love 
Had faded too, but memory came, 

And stirred my heart-strings when I heard 
A voice that spoke the well known name. 

And now these violets come to me, . 

Breathing remembrance, and I feel 
My eyes are wet with happy tears, 

Knowing my friend is still so leal. 



i6 



VANQUISHED 

In mortal combat, Love and Reason met. 

Quoth Love: "I will fight fairly, and I know 
That I shall thus defeat thee." "As thou wilt," 

Replied cold Reason, as she drew her bow. 
Fast flew the arrows, falling thick around 

The beauteous form of Love. Undaunted he 
Stood firm. And so, in anger. Reason frowned, 

And quickly losing heart she turned to flee; 
Then courage gaining she returned again. 

And, with one fatal keenly barbed dart. 
She pierced the heart of Love; he fell disarmed. 

Powerless and stricken from the smart. 



CONSOLATION 

Pale Grief came in and dwelt with me. 

I said, "Unbidden guest, thou art 
Not welcome." Said she, "Verily 

Thou and I will never part." 

My head was bowed with weight of woe, 
My heart was trembling with its fears, 

I could not see the way to go, 

So blinded were my eyes with tears. 

And everything seemed mocking me. 

The golden glory of the sun, 
The singing birds and humming bee, 

I wished the weary day were done. 
17 



When evening shades did softly fall, 

I sat within my lonely room, 
And seemed to hear a dear voice call 

Gently to me through the gloom. 

Grief fled away, e'en as to me 

The message came that solace brought, 
All sorrow vanished utterly, 

For a diviner strain I caught. 

It sweetly said, "Heart, be of cheer, 

In paradise above the blue. 
Where love perfected casts out fear, 

I wait for you, I wait for you." 



TO MADAME LEHMANN 

Great queen of song, whose votaries at thy 
shrine 

Lay wreaths of laurel, well they do adorn 
A woman's brow majestic, pure, like thine; 

And, into waiting, listening ears, is borne 

The magic of thy voice, so clear it rings; 

And with such wondrous sweetness in each 
tone. 
It seems as if to us an angel sings, 

And ceasing, leaves us feeling doubly lone. 



i8 



A PHOTOGRAPH 

The bright sunlight falls through the pane 
And crowns a portrait that my gaze 

Rests on, and there comes to me 
A memory of other days. 

The time when first we met returns. 

Again I hear old ocean's roar, 
Again see sapphire waves and sky, 

And foaming breakers on the shore. 

All fades, and in my hand I hold 
A photograph. Time was when I 

Looked at it with a happy smile. 
But now I view it with a sigh. 

The size of a man's hand at first, 

The cloud that came between us two; 

So small 't was scarcely visible. 

And then, ah me! it grew and grew, 

Until it darkened everything. 

Shrouded my happiness, and left 

Me with a sharp, a sudden pain. 
As one who's suddenly bereft. 

So vividly do I recall 

The grave dark eyes, the slow sweet smile, 
The hair tossed from a forehead white. 

The low, clear voice that did beguile. 



19 



Oh, fondly cherished portrait, you 
Are all that's left me of that time- 

You, and a feeling that I might 
The name Regret to it assign. 



HYMN TO THE EVENING STAR 

Thy golden lamp, low hanging in the west 
Seems with a growing brilliancy to burn; 

The lesser lights come shyly forth to wait 
Upon thee, and where'er the eye doth turn, 

It views innumerable twinkling orbs of light 

Begemming the dark garments of the night. 

Oh, world afar! Oh, wondrous radiant sphere! 

Thou shinest upon earth effulgently. 
What dost thou compass ? What dost thou con- 
tain ? 

We long to solve thy hidden mystery; 
But human vision cannot read aright. 
For here we walk by faith, and not by sight. 



DOLCE FAR NIENTE 

Around me is the golden summertide, 

The dulcet bird-songs, and the scent of flowers; 

My thirsty spirit drinks the beauty in. 
The restful beauty of the halcyon hours. 



20 



I look up toward the deep empyrean blue 
And feel an inmost thrill of pure delight, 

The while a radiant day-dream visits me 
And many fancies beautiful and bright. 

Unheeded falls my book, as thus I muse; 

Before me comes a face, its beauty rare, 
And half unconsciously, I breathe a name 

Upon the balmy incense of the air. 

As falls the gentle dew upon the flowers. 
So doth the dew of happiness impart 

Revivifying strength; and I am glad, 

Because it's summer now within my heart. 



A VOICE IN CHURCH 

Along the vaulted aisles there floated slowly 
The low clear tones; they seemed like a caress, 

Resolving all my doubt, and care, and longing. 
Into a perfect sense ot blessedness. 

Then louder, clearer, higher, soaring upward, 
Rang out the paean of the wondrous song. 

Until it seemed my very soul uplifted, 

And toward the heavenly realm was borne 
along. 

And as I heard "The lark at heaven's gate," 
And the organ's diapason deep and grand, 

I thought, the cloud o'er us will roll away. 
And in the future we shall understand. 
21 



A NEW YEAR'S WISH 

TO W. H. C. 

Although no more thy visible form may come, 
No more the light of thine eyes gladden me, 

No more to utter, "May the year that dawns 
Bring fullest joy and happiness to thee." 

Although thou'rt passed beyond my pleading 
voice, 
Still I may wish a glad and happy year 
To thee, knowing it shall be realized 

In heaven, where now thou art, O friend most 
dear. 

Why should I grieve ? On thee will no more beat 
The storms of life; thou art but gone before 

Into that world where I shall hope to meet 
And greet thee when my earthly life is o'er. 

Now through my falling tears a rainbow bright. 
With hope divine and promise doth appear. 

And looking upward toward its radiant light, 
I wish for thee the happiest New Year. 



IN AUTUMN 

Against the hazy amethystine blue 

The birds fly southward. A bright vista seems 
The winding road; beyond the river gleams, 

Between o'er-arching trees of gorgeous hue. 
22 



Ye days rich with a glowing affluence! 
O'erflowing with a prodigality 
Of beauty, and around us we may see 

What most delights our highest, noblest sense. 

The keen elixir of the atmosphere 

Is like a draught that strengthens, satisfies, 
Nature's caressing touch on the tired spirit lies, 

She breathes a benediction in the ear. 

Dwell long in memory's treasure-house fair scene 
Let us store sunshine for the winter time; 
Thus shall we live in an enchanted clime. 

And life itself be like a happy dream. 



BON VOYAGE 

Across the pathless ocean sails 

The ship, and toward the Old World's shore 
She bears thee onward. May the gales 

Be favoring ones that waft thee o'er. 

New scenes await thee to unfold 
Their treasured riches to thy gaze. 

And veins of unexplored gold, 
Will brighten unfamiliar ways. 

So bon voyage! Whate'er thy fate, 
Take my best wishes for thy weal, 

And friendship's trust inviolate 
Shall prove what I cannot reveal. 

23 



A NIGHT SONG 

Sleep, dear one, sleep, for the day-time is gone. 
Rest thee in peace till the new day shall dawn. 
Without, softly murmurs the sweet Summer 

breeze, 
Stealing through woodlands, caressing the trees. 
Sleep. 

Day and its cares are forgotten in dreams. 
May thine be bright as the silver moonbeams. 
Visions of happiness to thee appear. 
Dream-thoughts of those whom thou boldest 
most dear. 

Sleep. 

In slumberland's realm may my image to thee 
Be borne on the wings of a fair fantasy. 
And the memory linger with thee, finding place 
In that true heart of thine where naught can 
efface. 

Sleep. 

When I am with thee I seem but afar; 
Thou art to me as a glimmering star. 
Light of my life, be thou evermore blest, 
Glad be thy waking and calm be thy rest. 
Sleep. 



24 



A GRAY DAY 

Like thick curtain folds that are opaque, 

And from the earth shut out the warming rays 

Of Phoebus, so the somberness doth make 
All neutral-tinted, one of those quiet days. 
When Nature in her Quaker garb arrays 

Herself. A day that doth awake 

The minor chords; all silent through the hours 
That were so golden bright and crowned with 
flowers. 

But now this fading Autumn time is fraught 
With neither pain nor pleasure; unexpressed 

Must be the feeling which descends unsought, 
A feeling half of peace, and half unrest 
Finds an abiding place within the breast. 

As if some gentle spirit hand had wrought 
A subtle change in Nature; and in man, 
A touch of mystery since the world began. 



AS I SAW HER 

TO THE MEMORY OF G. W. G. 

My fancy paints her as I saw her first, 
Fair, young, with brow of sweet serenity; 

A bud that into rose had not yet burst, 
A spirit brimming o'er with buoyancy. 



25 



Eyes blue as heaven reflecting every mood 
So changeful, red lips curving into smiles, 

The sw^eet seductive smiles of gay girlhood, 
With many innocent and charming voiles. 

A little queen of hearts we ever said. 

Acknowledging her scepter and her sway; 

And when love came and crowned the brown- 
tressed head, 
We wished the new life might be joy alway. 

O short-lived joy, O withering, withering blight 
Of cruel death that crushed so fair a flower. 

It was a sudden shrouding of the light, 

It was a sudden weakening of love's power. 

In dreams she comes to me as once she came. 
And kisses me, and puts her hand in mine; 

Her face the same appears, yet not the same; 
It wears a look of heaven-rapt, divine. 

Ah friend, dear little friend of long ago, 
Thy gentle spirit thus re-visits me. 

As if thou knowest that I loved thee so, 
And that I cherish thy dear memory. 



26 



LILY OF THE VALLEY 

Peeping from a leafy bed, 
Reaching up its dainty head, 
Is a tender bell-shaped flower, 
Part of Summer's royal dower. 

As I pick it, unto me, 
Despite its fragility, 
Comes a fragrance subtly fine, 
Incense that is half divine. 

Thus the soul from earth set free. 
Clothed anew with purity, 
Rests not in the darksome sod, 
But upward goes to dwell with God. 



TO A LADY POURING TEA 

Cozy nook in charming room, 
Lamp-light falling rosily. 

Flowers exhaling their perfume, 
And a lady pouring tea. 

She has lovely face and form, 

Sit I here admiringly. 
Thinking what a power to charm 

Has the lady pouring tea. 



27 



Deep-hued violet eyes alight, 
And a half smile on the lips,' 

Shapely small hands ringed and white. 
With pink polished finger tips. 

Hands to toy with Sevres and 
Objects dainty, rich and rare. 

Hast thou not at thy command 
Many treasures, lady fair ? 

Goddess of the fireside thou, 

An enchantress verily; 
This that I am drinking now 

Is ambrosia served by thee. 



CONSTANCY 

Time sheds his blight o'er all, and yet, 

Though face and form may know a change, 
This heart time never will estrange 

From thee, and I will ne'er forget. 

Seasons may wax and wane, and lives 
Drift far apart; naught can sustain 
Love's fluttering, weak, uncertain flame, 

Although one vainly, vainly strives. 

As leaves are parted in the stream 
Divided by the restless flood, 
Alone I stand where once I stood 

With thee; the past seems like a dream. 
28 



The murmuring of the little rill 
The bird songs and the ferny glade. 
That glad June day 'neath fragrant shade, 

We felt the beauty with a thrill. 

The roses that we picked are dead; 

I kept one little withered spray. 

In memory of a happy day. 
Do you remember what was said ? 

Now gray and cheerless are the skies, 
And gazing on the wintry scene 
I think what is, and what has been, 

Until the tears o'erflow my eyes. 

Ah! sometimes give a thought to me. 

Do not obliterate the past. 

For, love, as long as life shall last. 
So shall endure my constancy. 



THE LORLEY 

The rayless night broke o'er the main, 

To mountainous heights the black waves leapt, 

And still the staunch ship onward plunged. 
Still bravely on her way she kept. 

The captain's voice rang out above 

The clamor of the storm and sea, 
"Courage, my mates! a light, a light! 

To night in shelter you shall be." 
29 



On gallant ship! On Galatea! 

And guide us to yon haven bright. 
Brave hearts have we and courage high, 

And joy shall be with us to night. 

The ray grew brighter. Hark, oh, hark! 

Whence came the sound of music ringing ? 
And plainly now above the storm 

Was heard a sweet voice clearly singing. 

Entranced were the weary crew, 
For by the lightning's vivid glare, 

They saw a vision. On a rock 
Reclined a woman wondrous fair. 

Her golden tresses rippled down 
About a form of perfect mould. 

Her face was strangely beautiful, 
A fatal beauty, white and cold. 

And ever and anon she sang, 

"Oh, come to me. Oh, come to me!" 

She held above her head a torch 

Of quenchless power and brilliancy. 

On came the ship, and all around 

The mighty sea-wind moaned and roared. 

Against the rocks the Galatea 

Went down with forty souls on board. 



30 



A last despairing cry arose, 
A fearful cry, then all was still, 

Still save the sound of laughter wild, 
The Lorley's laughter, loud and shrill. 

Ah, Lorley, cruel to thus enchain 

Those who were noble, true and brave! 

But triumph not. Above, their souls 
Live on; they are not 'neath the wave. 



A SONG 

In the morning when Aurora 
Fills the world with rosy light. 

When the touch of her pink fingers 
Banishes the gloom of night. 

Then as forth I go, and wander 
Through the wood and o'er the lea. 

Ever are my fond thoughts turning, 

Ever turning, love, to thee. 

At midday when golden sunshine 

Floods all Nature with a part 
Of the warmth that is within her. 

Clinging close around my heart, 
In a shady nook reclining. 

Far away my thoughts will be. 
For they're turning ever fondly, 

Always fondly, love, to thee. 



31 



When the day is past, and twilight 

Softly doth the earth enfold, 
When fair Luna rises slowly. 

With a beauty chaste and cold, 
Then my thoughts find wings, and swiftly 

As the bird flies, light and free, 
Do they fly to thee and linger 

Ever fondly, love, with thee. 

E'en in dreams my spirit wanders 

In a world where thou art King, 
And in fancy I am with thee. 

While the joy-bells softly ring. 
Let me dream on, if in dreaming 

There's such happiness for me, 
For I long to be beside thee. 

Always, ever, love, with thee. 



.^2 



TO MISS R 

O FAIREST type of woman, thou canst claim 
Justly, the name of woman; thine the aim 
To elevate thine art, ever to be 
Interpreter of its nobility. 

The ice that masks true feeling melts the while; 
Thy tear and smile draw kindred tear and smile; 
We yield thee homage and we crown thee queen 
Of glittering realm and warmest-hued demesne. 



33 



DIVIDED 

O GULF immeasurably deep and wide, 
And shall despair alway with me abide ? 
Beneath the shadow of her raven wing 
Shall I walk with unceasing sorrowing ? 

gulf affixed by fate, I cannot cross 
Thy boundaries: I can but count the loss 
Of time that keeps me still a prisoner here. 
While on the other side is one so dear. 

My outstretched hands are empty, and my heart 
Is empty too, since we are far apart. 
The night descends and finds me lingering here, 
While memories of the past are clustering near. 

Is this forever ? Yea unto the end! 

Then Heaven unto me thy pity lend; 

Let thy sweet comfort soothe me, pray thee give 

Me strength to walk alone, and strength to live. 

For courage fails, and hearts are strangely weak. 
One face doth gleam, one voice alone doth speak 
Throughout my days; and lonely vigils keep 

1 in the nights, when thought doth banish sleep. 

Be silent, troubled spirit! Thou must make 
No moan, no sign, although the tired heart break 
This is thy portion, yet the cup withal 
Holds still a sweetness mingled with the gall. 



34 



A memory is not much to fill a life; 
Remembrance of a look, a smile 't is rife 
With keen regret; but whatsoe'er betide 
On this, may light shine on the other side. 



A YACHTING SONG 

We are speeding along 

In the sibilant, strong 
Sweep of the western wind. 

Oh, the ecstasy. 

As with hearts so free, 
We leave dull care behind. 

Blue skies are o'er us. 

Smooth waters before us. 
Bright in the sunlight's ray, 

And out, far out. 

Gay pennons float. 
And herald our joyous way. 

In this wine, sparkling clear, 

I pledge you, ma chere! 
May your cares be as light at its foam, 

And vanish as quickly, 

May blessings fall thickly 
On you wherever you roam. 

These friends with us? Oh, yes; 
May they have happiness. 
And it will be theirs I ween; 

35 



But you know that to you 
My fealty is due, 
For you are my little queen. 

So I shall look back, 

O'er memory's track, 
To this day when we together 

Felt the briny spray. 

As we sailed away 
In the lovely summer weather. 



TO SLEEP 

Wave over fevered brows thy cooling wand, 
Anoint tired eyelids with a grateful balm, 
Disquiet thoughts exchange for those of calm, 
Let all fierce earthly passions that were fanned 
To flame, be exorcised by thee, and banned, 
And only the benison of perfect peace 
Visit the spirit with a sweet release. 
Oh, boon above computing, panacea 
For aching hearts, the way that seemeth drear 
Shall be forgot, and over earthly woes. 
Shall fall God's precious gift to man — repose 



36 



AT GLEN ONOKO 

Far from the madding crowd, the haunts of 
men, 

'Mid mountains that uprise to lofty heights, 
The potent witchery of this lovely glen 

Conduces to our fancy's fairest flights. 

As we ascend the steep and winding ways, 
Where battlements of rock o'erarch the head, 

Unfolded to our fascinated gaze. 

Visions of beauty constantly are spread. 

Changing with every turn they lead us on. 
Through ferny, mossy grottos, past ravines. 

Where lingeringly we pause, loth to be gone 
From the enchantment of such lovely scenes. 

And look! far up from yonder summit fall 

Creamy cascades of water; gleefully 
We seem to hear a voice like music call: 

"Come, follow where I lead; come, follow 

>> 
me. 

Adown the tortuous way they foam and roar, 
Now lost to sight, again, they seem to spring 

Forth from the rugged rocks; and, leaping o'er 
They dash and curve in sportive eddying. 

Ah! standing on the summit, we behold 
A view extended spread before our eyes. 

A rapture falls that, unexpressed, untold, 
We only feel, for it all words defies. 

37 



AN EVENING IN AUGUST 

All the hours of day are fled, 

Gorgeous banners, gold and red, 

Hang against the western sky, 

Emblems of heavenly royalty. 

Tender silence broods o'er all, 

Broken by a sweet bird-call 

To its mate and the reply 

Is a soft, low melody. 

Now the tints that were so bright 

Fade into the calm twilight, 

And the fragrant dusk is full 

Of sounds, that imperceptible 

Are to careless ears, but list. 

Thou shalt hear what they have missed. 

Chirp of cricket — mystic whir — 

All the life, and breath, and stir, 

Of the insect world wherein 

The nightly chorus doth begin, 

While 'mid branches safely hid 

Persistently calls Katydid. 

Then antagonistic cry 

Katydidn't makes reply. 

Stars climb up the night-draped skies. 

Swaying lights of the fireflies 

Merrily dance, through copse, o'er lawn 

Till their lamps pale in the dawn. 

Nature's acclamations ring 

Out in gladsome thanksgiving 



38 



PANSIES FOR THOUGHTS 

'PaNSiES for thoughts, dear love," said he, 
And laid them in her small, white hand; 
"Whether on sea or on the land, 
My thoughts shall ever be of thee." 

She placed the flowers upon her breast, 
As if to garnish thus the shrine 
Of her heart's temple. "Joy be mine," 

She said, "No one was e'er so blest." 

But when the Summer 'gan to wane, 
Her young cheek lost its whilom red, 
For happiness took wings and fled. 

And into life fell sorrow's rain. 

At last the true heart ceased to beat. 

One far away heard she had died. 

"My punishment is great," he cried; 
"Ah me, ah me, those days were sweet." 

And then the words she traced he read, 
They came to him with flowers she pressed 
And which had lain upon her breast, 

"Pansies for thoughts," they only said. 



3^ 



THE STORM 

What a deep hush broods o'er everything! 
Even yon robin has ceased to sing, 
Scarce beats the heart of nature; overhead 
Roll the black clouds; the sun has vanished. 

And now upon the expectant air there comes 
A lingering sound, like muffled roar of drums, 
And suddenly a yellow shaft of light, 
With vivid flashing, makes the darkness bright. 

Then the reverberating echoes fall 

Nearer and nearer, while the sable pall 

Drops down o'er earth, with fork-like flash on 

flash. 
And peal on peal the elements loud clash. 

In the stormy conflict there's no dearth 
Of grandeur; and, upon the waiting earth 
The rain down-pouring winged in its flight. 
Ere long gives place to western gleams of light. 

The sun bursts forth, his golden beams do crown 
A freshened world. The lowering, darksome 

frown 
That did obscure the blue has fled, the while, 
And now we dwell 'neath heaven's gracious 

smile. 



40 



ENTHRONED 

*A HEAD that wears a crown uneasy lies," 

I've often heard, and yet full well I know 
That in the saying lieth sophistries. 

And I am sure that I can prove them so. 

For on my head there rests a golden crown, 
Yet peaceful are my dreams, and, oh, how 
fair! 

A cloud of roseate joy doth me enfold. 
And far away are all the mists of care. 

Although I am so happy and so blest. 

My kingdom is not large; I can but bring 

Forward one subject true, and it is best 

That I should make that loyal one my king. 

And thus together hand in hand go we, 
Adown the vale of life, no more to part; 

I breathe a prayer, thus may it ever be. 
That I may rest enthroned within a heart. 



A WRITTEN CONFESSION 

Until I looked within thine eyes 
I knew not love, for I had dwelt 
In ignorance; I had not felt 
That rich, heart-quickening surprise 
Which love gives, casting off disguise; 
And now I cannot tell which is 
41 



Most powerful, sweet love or pain. 
Perchance the loss outweighs the gain, 
And yet I know I would not miss 
This rhapsody and new-born bliss. 

I love thee, oh, I love thee, though 

The secret's locked within my breast 

To none, not even thee, confessed. 

But here I write I love thee so. 

Ah, I have seen thy dark eyes glow 

When thou did'st speak, and my soul, thrilled 

With feeling that would not be stilled. 

And answering thee scarce did I dare 

Lift up mine eyes, lest written there 

Thou should'st read all; the world is filled 

With thee and sweetness is distilled. 

Content am I, it may not be 

That thou should'st ever care for me, 

Yet whatsoever is, is right 

Since thou hast made my world so bright. 



BESIDE THE SEA 

I FEEL the breath of ocean on my brow. 

The crested waves come rippling to my feet; 

I hear the mighty rhythm as they roar. 

And then it dies away in murmurings sweet 



42 



Before my vision lies the sea's domain; 

It stretches vast and wide; and it appears 
As smooth and calm beneath the cloudless 
heaven 

As a fair face unmarred by bitter tears. 

The snowy sails glide on; old ocean wears 
A smiling mood, and ever and anon 

The osprey swoops to lave her silvery wing, 
And then flies swiftly onward and is gone. 

wondrous flood forever rolling on, 
Illimitable in thy sublimity, 

1 love thee, and withal I fear thee, too, 
For thou art sometimes very cruel, O sea. 



MY DREAM 

Away fair dream; too frail at best 
To bide with me. So leave me, lest 
My life shall be all thine, and so, 
Although I weep, I bid thee go. 

Life is too vast, too brief its span, 
For vain regret to bless or ban. 
Fate follows fast, and yet, it seems, 
The fairest things we know are dreams 

A last adieu to thee, fond vision, 
Foretaste thou of life Elysian: 



43 



Long I enshrined thee in my heart, 
The time has come — thou must depart. 

What, lingering still ? Wilt thou not heed 
My prayers and must I vainly plead ? 
To Lethe's stream hie thou apace. 
And let me wake from thy embrace. 

'Tis vain — thou wilt not leave my side, 
So I will smile and cease to chide. 
For, after all, it would not be 
Complete content did I lack thee. 

Naught but a dream, and yet the power 
Is thine to comfort when clouds lower. 
Ah, sweetest dream, fairest ideal, 
Haply thou 'It merge into the real. 



TO MADAME ADELINA PATTI 

Thou matchless one, the fairies at thy birth 

Gave thee cood gifts, beauty of form and face, 

A personality of 'witching grace. 
Wherewith to charm the denizens of earth, 

But far surpassing all the other gifts 
Is that great talent which is heaven-born. 
And which is thine; yes; far above Life's storm 

Our souls a melody divine uplifts. 
Patti, thy name evokes a charmed spell, 



44 



And, listening to those sweetest liquid notes, 
We're held in rapture's deepest trance; there 
floats 
To the awakened sense what seems to tell 
Of rare enchantment; we do not belong 
To earth, but rather to a higher sphere, 
Where like the mist all sorrows disappear, 
And joy upriseth 'neath thy perfect song. 



CONTRAST 

A YEAR ago, ah me! A year ago, 

The sun shone warmer than it does today. 
And gladly, gayly, welcomed I the May; 
The bird trilled forth its merry roundelay. 

And all seemed very bright. Why was it so 
A year ago ? 

A year ago love all things glorified. 

For thou wast in the world; and so I went 

Along with flowers in my path, content 

And thankful for the boon from heaven sent, 

Delight was mine; but then thou hadst not died, 
A year ago. 

And now my heart is lonely and oppressed. 

There seems a shadow over everything; 

Nothing e'ermore can comfort to me bring; 

I only weep when feathered songsters sing, 
And looking back, remember I was blest 
A year ago. 

45 



IN THE CATSKILLS 

Around, above, God's wondrous power 
Is visible; imprint of man's hand 

Cannot be found, and mountains tower 
Peak on peak, sublime and grand. 

What in the vast immensity 

Of distance seems a silver thread ? 

The Hudson onward to the sea 
Moving with stately, silent tread 

Below as far as eye can reach. 
Nature's fair panorama lies. 

Refreshing with its restful calm, 
And bidding nobler thoughts arise. 

For grandeur such as this uplifts 

Our souls; we scale Parnassus' height 

In fancy, and thus lingering there, 
Satisfy our ambition's flight. 

The sun behind Mount Hunter now 
Is sinking fast; and on its bold 

And massive head the king of peaks 
Bears proudly a bright crown of gold. 

And myriad rainbow clouds assume 
Fantastic shapes; they seem to wear 

A semblance to bright scarfs that with 
The twilight fade and disappear. 



46 



Night draws her mantle o'er the scene, 
The eagle seeks his eyrie nest; 

Only the glimmering stars keep watch 
Above a world now hushed to rest. 



WHEN SWALLOWS FLIT 

The sun's bright rays seem growing cold, 
And mountains change to red and gold; 
O'er barren meadows, sere and brown. 
The night falls swiftly, softly down, 
The while the wind a requiem sighs, 
Because the Summer sadly dies, 
When swallows flit, 

Gone are the days so warm and bright, 
When life was filled with calm delight 
That golden time when you and I 
Together walked 'neath bluest sky. 
Alas! those days come not again 
For Summer days are on the wane, 
When swallows flit. 

Now vanished are the sunset hues, 
And thickly fall autumnal dews. 
Heard from afar the owl's weird cry 
Sounds like a dismal prophecy. 
In loneliness I long for thee — 
Oh, come to me, and comfort me. 
When swallows flit. 



47 



THE "BUD" OF EIGHTY-EIGHT 

r VE heard that th' belles of long ago 

Were captivating girls. 
In gowns of stiff brocade, their heads 

A shimmering mass of curls. 

Those who lived in the "good old days" 

To me may vainly prate 
Of beauty, for I'm loyal still 

To the "bud" of eighty-eight. 

A true embodiment she is 

Of beauty, style, and grace. 
A softened radiance seems to fall 

From the light of her fair face. 

She's charming from her little head 

To her patent-leather boots; 
She's clever too; a fallacy thus 

She shows that she refutes. 

For cleverness and beauty may 

Be found in one fair frame. 
And so I sing of loveliness. 

And my undying flame. 

And if some happy day may dawn 

When she will be my fate, 
Ah, then I'll bless my darling girl, 

The "bud" of eighty-eight! 



48 



HELPFULNESS 

Look out upon the world, dost thou not see 

Those human beings needing thy kind aid ? 

Those desolate ones whom God hath also 
made, * 

And who seem doomed to earthly misery; 

Withhold not thou thy helpful sympathy. 
Stretch forth thy strong hand, feeling unafraid 
To clasp a weak one; let there not be laid 

At thy door the reproach, here, he or she 
Dwelleth, and hath never yet repaid 

The debt owed unto God, whose loving care 
Is over all His creatures, though it seem 

As 't were withdrawn from some, so do thou 
bear 
The burden for them; making gladness beam 

Upon their way, and quelling dark despair. 



TO A BLUEBIRD 

Whither dost thou go on thy rapid wing? 

My eye can scarce measure thy flight. 
As thou skimmest along; I have heard thee sing, 

I have seen thy plumage bright. 
And I felt with a thrill that thou wert a thing 

Delighting the ear and the sight. 

I fain would keep thee close to my hand, 
So whither so swiftly away ? 



49 



Art thou bound for a brighter and sunnier land r 

Wilt thou warble a blither lay 
To those that inhabit that country ? And 

Wilt thou not return here some day ? 

Ah, yes, well I know when the young crocus 
peeps 

Up her head to announce that fair Spring 
Is coming, soon coming, despite that she sleeps 

In old Winter's arms yet, thou wilt bring 
Assurance to us that the Spring only keeps 

Out of sight till she hears thee sing. 



MUTABILITY 

Oft, as we lift our eyes toward heaven's blue, 

And think how bright, how fair the pure 
dome is. 

We feel an inmost thrill of happiness 
At so much beauty; radiant sunlight, too. 
Falls on us as we gaze, then gradually 

There creep grey-tinted clouds, quite blot- 
ting out 
The brightness, and then, all mournfully. 

We find a pall above us — round — about. 

'Tis thus in life's most fragrant-blooming hour, 
When hearts are bounding free with glad- 

someness, 
And God, and Nature, all things seem to 

bless. 

50 



There comes a cruel change; an awful power 
Holds us in firmest grasp; do what we may 

We cannot but submit; all murmuring breath 
Is stilled; our strength naught on that dark- 
some day, 

When Cometh that great fell destroyer, Death. 



ASPIRATION 

Far up the heights I gaze with longing eyes; 

I fain would rise glad, fetterless and free; 
Would banish every cloud that o'er me lies, 

And in the light live in an ecstasy. 

Alas! 't is but the soul's aspiring dream, 
And in the valley's mist I still remain. 

I cannot gain the summit where doth gleam 
The star of happiness, whence that ray came. 

To fame, contentment, and a noble life, 

I meet these guide boards as I press along, 

Then turn aside, so weary with the strife 

That tears close follow in the wake of song. 

But courage, rise, and make one effort more 
To reach the goal with oft-renewing zest. 

Be not content to give the battle o'er. 
But bravely strive, e'en till the final rest 



51 



TO MY FRIEND 

Thy noble face lives in my memory, 
And ever it possesses charm for me 
Above all others; features finely wrought, 
And eyes of deep blue and of soulful thought. 
The hand of time upon thy wavy hair 
Has left its signet, and the touch of care 
Is on thy broad, white brow; yet finer face 
'T were not within an artist's power to trace. 
That stately form of thine, majestic — grand — 
Thou art indeed as one born to command. 
The deep-toned music of thy voice to me 
Is like the sound of a sweet harmony. 
Oh, happy I, that I may call thee friend; 
To thee alway may Heaven its blessings send. 



WHY 

Why is the sky a deeper blue ? 

Why does the sun throw warmer rays ? 
Why is the world more fair to view ? 

Whence comes the guerdon for my days? 
I'll tell you why. 

It is, you see, 
That I love you. 
And you love me. 

Why does life's pathway seem so bright ? 
The lovely flowers that now we cull 



52 



Seem sweeter far, and to the sight 
Wear hues that are more beautiful. 
This — this is why, 

'T is plain to see, 
For I love you, 
And you love me. 

Why do the birds pour forth their songs 

In music that doth charm the ear ? 
Such melody to Heaven belongs, 
It ne'er before was half so clear. 
The reason why 

'T is thus to me, 
Is, love makes 
Sweetest melody. 

My heart, why filled with such delight ? 

Why do earth's blessings seem fourfold ^ 
Because transfigured by love's might 
The secret I at last have told — 
That I love you, 

And you love me. 
So that is why 
I'm glad, you see. 



RONDEL 

When Ethel sings, 
A rapt expectancy thrills through my heart; 
And so I sit and listen to an art 
Most glorious. What waves of melody 

53 



Fall on my ears! What power in that high B. 
When Ethel sings! 

When Ethel sings, 
I turn her music, and I turn away. 
To break, perchance, the force of that shrill A, 
And as, with frantic gasps, she reaches C, 
I cannot longer stay. I turn and flee, 

When Ethel sines! 



TO THE RARITAN RIVER 

Rivers famed in rhyme and story, 

Not of these I sing my song; 
But to one clear little streamlet. 

Flowing peacefully along. 
Winding through the verdant meadows. 

Whereon graze the patient kine. 
Past the angler, thus inviting 

Him to throw his tempting line. 

Since my childhood I have watched thee, 

And have known thy every mood. 
In the summer, sunny, smiling. 

In the winter when the rude 
North wind sweeps adown the valley. 

Thou wert ice bound, till the spring 
Came to give thee back the freedom 

To pursue thy wandering. 



54 



And, although I've gone far from thee 

Many times while I did roam, 
Memory turning toward thee fondly 

Brought a vision of my home. 
On thy bank reposing calmly 

'Neath the shade of noble trees 
Is the house surrounded ever 

By the fondest memories. 

Clouds of darkness sometimes gather, 

But the sunshine lingers near. 
Ah! I pray that in the future 

It may give its warmth and cheer. 
So I watch thy radiant sparkle. 

And thy flowing, gentle stream. 
See the sunset's golden glory, 

And thy clear reflected gleam. 
Hoping that the cold, dark river 

I must cross one day may be 
Changed to brightness, bearing onward 

My soul to eternity. 



BIG AND LITTLE FISHES 

In pearly depths, 'neath crested wave 
The little fishes gaily sport. 

Alas! we know that naught can save 
Their little lives that are so short. 



55 



For if some angler does not catch 
Them on his cruel hook of steel, 

A big fish comes with quick despatch, 
And of the small one makes a meal. 

'T is thus in life's uncertain sea, 

Where all are struggling for the bait; 

The big and powerful greedily 

Eat up the small, — ah, wretched fate! 



LOVE'S DEMISE 

Sweet love is dead, come let us gaze 
On his cold corpse; bright were the bays 
We twined about his brow, when days 
Were happier ones than now we see. 
Ah! bitter-sweet is memory. 

Come back, come back, we vainly cry, 
Thou wert too fair, too dear, to die, 
But only echo makes reply. 
And, mockingly, it smites the ear. 
Too fair to die, too dear, too dear. 



CONFIDENCE 

I WHISPERED thy name to the rose, 
In fragrance it blossomed anew. 

Its petals did softly unclose. 
And fairer became to my view. 

56 



I breathed thy name into the night, 

When the rest of the world was asleep, 

And the heavens became all alight. 
While the silence was mystic and deep. 

I said to the west wind, "Now go, 
Fan softly the brow that I love, 

Take a message and whisper it low 
And its magic all care will remove." 

As I listened there suddenly came 
To my ear the sweet song of a bird, 

The burden of which was thy name. 
The sweetest song ever I heard. 



VISIONS IN A DREAM 

"For He shall give His angels charge over 
thee to keep thee in all thy ways. — Psalm 91, 
verse 1 1 . 

Ye fairy sprites that gather smilingly. 

And hold out hands that ever would I take 

In mine, but, as the wish possesseth me. 
And striving thus to reach them, I awake. 

I cannot think that ye are phantom shapes 
That come to mock me with my earthliness; 

Nay, rather are ye spirits of loved ones. 
Coming to soothe and bless. 



57 



Lightening the darkness as they hover near, 
With faces that a heavenly brightness wear, 

Beholding them, I feel that I am safe 
Within their sheltering care. 

These may be dreams, but they are blissful ones, 
And often waking is awake to pain. 

Ah! guardian angels watch me through the day. 
And visit me again. 



IN FLORA'S BOWER 

Shutting me in, all, all is full 

Of beauty inexhaustible. 

On emerald background thick besprent 

Are colors most divinely blent. 

Uplift thy head, queen rose, and greet 

Me with a welcome subtly sweet. 

Thou wear'st a proud and haughty mien, 

But other beauties here are seen 

That almost rival thee. Here's one 

As sweet as thou; thy lover, sun. 

Caresses it as warmly, too. 

And the refreshing silver dew 

Bathes it each e'en; thou must not shrink 

From thy fair friend, carnation pink. 



Lily, thy pure pale face upraise, 
To meet the guerdon of my praise; 
Indeed, thou, too, art passing fair, 
And, in the warm and tremulous air 
Thou holdest high thy head; perchance 
There is disdain within thy glance. 
Enshrine not envy, thou must be 
Ever an emblem of purity. 

In pansy's little bright-eyed face 

A cheery welcome I can trace. 

To me, thou art as dear as these 

Thy friends, and art well named heart's-ease. 

Here's heliotrope and mignonette, 

Balm for life's sordid toil and fret. 

Each floweret blooming in this place 

Wears a seductive, glowing grace. 

While I, in Summer's sunny hour. 

Find happiness in Flora's bower. 



CON AMORE 

Ah! draw me not, eyes in whose limpid wells 
Lies that 'gainst which I've vainly, vainly 
fought; 

Release me from thy magnetism, lest 
I helpless become dizzy and distraught. 

Cease torturing me, sweet voice whose music's 
tone 
Re-echoes in my ears; makes me desire 

59 



The presence of the beloved one alone, 

Who lighted in my heart this quenchless fire. 

Bound as a slave, yes, bound about by love, 
I cannot break its fetters, nor will I 

Hope e'er to make escape, so willingly. 

And for love's sake, love's sweetest sake, I die. 

E'en heaven would not be blissful without thee, 
And so, tho' we are disunited here, 

Dearest, farewell! I'll pray that we may meet. 
And dwell together in some brighter sphere. 



LIFE AND DEATH 

I SET mine eyes upon a certain star. 

As o'er the foaming billows my bark sailed; 

I heard the moaning of the harbor bar, 

And saw the star at which I gazed had paled. 

The wind blew keen and cold; it chilled me 
through. 

The star grew fainter, dimmer, vanished quite, 
While 'round the tempest raged, and deeper grew 

The gloomy, purple shadows of the night. 

So dark, so cold, will this long night e'er pass .? 

My heart e'en trembles with its weight of woe; 
If this be life, our earthly life — Alas! 

Loose, loose thy chains, and let thy prisoner go. 



60 



But see! A gleam, my star has come again, 
And like a jewel it hangs in Heaven's dome. 

Joy fills my heart, farewell all doubt and pain. 
There opens wide the portal of my home. 



THE IDEAL AND THE REAL 

By flowery meads, in knee-deep blooms, 
I walk; deep joy and peace I feel; 

I breathe an air of soft perfumes. 
With happiness my senses reel. 

I waken with a start of fright, 

From dreaming in an ideal world; 

For see! the real dawns on my sight. 
The flag of duty is unfurled. 



A WOODLAND REVERY 

Here, where the nymphs and dryads their joyful 

festas keep, 
Their whispering through the trees making 

sluggish pulses leap; 
Here, where is barred from entering the burning 

rays of the sun. 
Is rest for the storm-tossed spirit, and hither it 

may come. 

Close by the silvery brook is heard a quiet song, 

A peaceful song of beauty it chanteth all day long; 

6i 



The music sinking deep in the depths of the 

human heart. 
Soothing its troubled longings, and healing its 

bitter smart. 

Shut in from the busy world where stormy 
passions sweep, 

And eyes that close in slumber wake again to 
weep; 

Here in the depth of the woodland, here in a ferny 
bower, 

Perchance is the secret of beauty, the never- 
fading flower. 

For the flower of contentment is sought by every- 
one in the world, 

The lovely rose of happiness by bright dewdrops 
impearled; 

'Tis not in the haunts of men we find it; nay, it 
seems 

Sometimes that it is a phantom, a vision of our 
dreams. 

But now 'midst the birds and ferns, deep in this 

woodland dell. 
The rippling cadence falls like a soft-toned silver 

bell; 
And a peacefulness descends with a joy that 

seems to be 
All powerful to make us satisfied, glad and free. 



62 



A MESSAGE 

You know fate decreed we should part, 
And you said, in that fair long ago, 

That my image would go forth with^you 
Out into the world; was it so ? 

You told me if ever there came 

Temptation to lead you astray, 
You would think of my words and would feel 

My influence round your pathway. 

For I should be thinking of you, 

This I told you, and hoping to hear 

That your life was both noble and true, 
And the page kept unsullied and clear. 

Perchance you've forgotten it all. 

Yet this one thing I know; when they say 
You bear a good name, I rejoice, 

And rejoicing I think of that day. 

If my hand-clasp had aught that would lead 

You on in the right, I am glad. 
And the thought that it may e'en be so. 

Disperses the clouds when I'm sad. 

The chord of true friendship is strong, 
Not weakened by absence, I'm sure, 

So 't is thus that I send you this song, 
To tell you my faith will endure. 



63 



TO PADEREWSKI 

Thy master-hand that swept the keys 

Brought forth sublimest melodies; 

In an ecstatic state we heard 

Those sounds which all our being stirred, 

And, in the tones that came to life, 

Beneath thy touch, were those that rife 

With melancholy music fell, 

And sad expression, like the knell 

Of hopes departed; to our eyes, 

We felt unbidden tears arise. 

Again, a rippling cadence sprang 
To life, as if a glad voice sang 
Of hope and happiness, and blent 
With our delighted wonderment. 
A wondrous symphony we caught 
Created an exalted thought. 
Life seemed to us a grander thing 
And heaven itself it seemed to bring 
Nearer; for such is music's power. 
And such thy noble, precious dower. 



CHRYSANTHEMUMS 

As if to comfort us for joys now fled 

With Summer's flitting, and to make amends, 
The beauty of the flower of Autumn lends 

Its winsomeness, and gayly lifts its head. 



64 



Bright flowers that come to solace and to cheer, 
When other blossoms by the frosty breath 
Of Autumn fade, and are laid low in death, 

We welcome thee whene'er thou dost appear. 



TO PRESIDENT BENJAMIN HARRISON 

(1889) 

Throw portals wide, and usher in the one, 
Who stands today the chosen of our land; 
Our country by the bow of promise spanned, 

And to the heart's-core warmed by freedom's sun. 

And he who occupies the highest place 

Has record true; his past will bear the light; 
He nobly fought for liberty and right, 

And wears a name that time cannot efface. 

We yield the homage of our hearts today 
To our new President; God nerve his arm, 
Bless him, guide him, guard him from all harm, 

Unitedly and fervently we pray. 



A MELODY 

The orchestra played a magic measure 

And the rise and fall of the wonderful strain, 

Made my heart beat with a keen-edged pleasure, 
That was closely allied to pain. 

65 



The weird, sweet melody touched a chord, 
Which thrilled responsive beneath the spell; 

My eyes met yours, and, without a word, 
I knew that you felt it as well. 

For a pathos throbbed in every tone, 

The while a voice seemed to sob and sigh; 

I thought tonight I will be alone, 
After our last good-by. 

I well knew it was your duty to go, 
So there was nothing that I could say; 

But I read regret in your eyes, and oh. 
How my heart ached that day. 

It is not long, yet it seems to me 

A weary while since we parted then; 

And I often recall that melody. 
And wish I could hear it again. 



PLATONICS 

You say I am false, and you call me unkind. 
When I tell you that we can be nothing but 
friends. 
Oh! know you not friendship is all that we find 
That is fervent and constant, and that Heaven 
sends ? 



66 



For love is illusory, romance is perishing; 

One or the other, the man or the woman, 
Discovers some day that the idol they're cherish- 
ing 

Proves to be commonplace, faulty and human. 

And, oh, the awaking! Far better to be 

Friends only, and thus we're preserving the 
spell. 

It is this that I wish; and can you not see 
It is best ? So I ask that you will not rebel. 

I care for you — yes, far too well to allow 

A cold veil of indifference to blot out our past. 

So, say we are friends, ere we part; and avow 
That you will be true, as I shall, to the last. 



ODE TO HAPPINESS 

Ah! winsome sprite, dost thou elude 
The grasp of those that bid thee stay. 

So many times they've vainly sued 
The boon of thy bright ray. 

And if vouchsafed for a brief time, 

Too soon thou tak'st thy winged flight, 

Leaving humanity to repine, 
And dwell in sorrow's night. 



67 



Thousands go forth upon the quest; 

Alas! thou shinest from afar, 
And they, pursuing with unrest, 

Find thou art like a star. 

So beckon on, and let thy light 

Shine forth to cheer man's pathway given. 
Up, up, we'll look through earthly night, 

Thou'rt only found in heaven. 



A LAMENT 

Far from the madding crowd, 

We two together; 
How my heart sang aloud 

In summer weather ; 
Days full of sunshine's gold, 
Deep draughts of bliss untold, 

Drank we together. 

Out on the river sailed 

We two together; 
Love e'en the sunlight paled. 

And like a feather. 
My heart rose, as we went 
On o'er the smooth current. 

Ah me! we sail no more, 

We two together; 
Those halcyon days are o'er 

And balmy weather; 
68 



Only love's ghost is here, 
And n'er again, my dear, 
Sail we together. 

Love's ghost sits by my side, 

We tvv^o together, 
Sail o'er the roughening tide 

In lowering weather, 
Shiveringly I make my moan. 
Both love and joy have flown, 

We're not together. 



SOEUR SERAPHINE 

Face impassive, eyes serene. 
Features regularly null, 
Ear to worldly music dull. 

So you walk, fair Seraphine, 

Giving not a lingering look 
To the curious passer by, 
Not a glance we can descry 

That translates an unread book. 

'Neath that kerchief's modest fold, 
'Neath the cross upon your breast, 
Tell me, is there no unrest ? 

Not a wish that is untold ? 



69 



Does that heart beat always slow 
Under black habiliments ? 
And in deep-felt innocence, 

Gladly earthly joys forego ? 

Has your wandering fancy seen 
No fair mirage of the past ? 
Days too sweet, too fair to last, 

Or a sad "it might have been." 

And the future — when you sought 
Peace beneath a misty veil, 
Naught unworthy could assail. 

Not a dragon to be fought. 

So you exchanged light and bloom, 
Made for our humanity. 
Gifts from God's own treasury, 

For impenetrable gloom. 

Pardon me, ma petite soeur. 
This I only say to you, 
"Ever to thine heart be true," 

For I would not have you err. 

Go your way, from power divine 
May you find the peace you seek. 
Heal the sick and raise the weak, 

For that joy we know is thine. 



70 



ANGLICIZED 

As we walk along Life's highway, 

And survey the wondrous plan, 
Quite frequently we chance to meet 

With the Anglicized young man; 
He's a specimen of "culchaw," 

With the brain not at the root, 
Descants he of "dawgs and hosses," 

And he wears a gay-checked suit; 
Quite devoted to the "waces," 

Monocled the world doth scan, 
Such a model of fine manhood 

Is the Anglicized young man. 

Then there is the lofty maiden, 

Tailor-made, erect and trim. 
She gives a stony British stare 

From beneath her turban's brim; 
At her heels the noble mastiff, 

As the maiden walks Broadway 
With a stride that's purely English, 

You may meet her any day 
In the Park on banged-tail trotter. 

Coaching, teas — she's in the whirl 
Of society's mad maelstrom. 

Is the Anglicized young girl. 



71 



THE OLD SPINNING-WHEEL 

The fire flickers bright on the hearth-stone, 
And the gloaming's mystical gray 

Falls softly, as I sit here dreaming 
Day-dreams of a far-away day. 

'Tis the past claims my thoughts and my fancies, 
And I wish that it now could reveal 

My grandmother's face, as it used to look, 
When she sat at this old spinning-wheel. 

The spinning-wheel brought from the attic 
Now stands in the firelight's glow, 

And looking at it I can almost discern 
A picture of long ago. 

A maiden is sitting yonder 

In costume so quaint and so gay, 
While with dainty foot pressing the treadle 

She's trilling a blithesome lay. 

And as she holds the spindle, 

And the chain of flax grows long. 

There's a manly step comes behind her, 
But she goes on with her song. 

Until fond glances are meeting 
Her own that are shyly upturned, 

With an ill-disguised love in their greeting, 
And which may be quickly discerned. 



72 



And now at the altar a bride, 
And now in the dear little nest 

Of home she walks forth at his side, 
By contentment and happiness blest. 

'Mid sorrows and troubles that come, 
With trust, and unwavering feet 

She goes onward, for full well she knows, 
The bitter must come with the sweet. 

Ah! now she is standing beside me, 

Her touch on my hand I feel; 
And she says "I am so glad, dearie. 

That you treasure my old spinning-wheel. 

With a start I awake, and the embers 
On the hearth are burning low. 

And, on the old spinning-wheel yonder, 
The shadows come and go. 



THE NEW HOME 

Just pause a moment at the open door, 
A moment, e'er we pass the threshold o'er; 
This is a new domain; what hopes and fears 
Pass in with us to meet the coming years. 

If it should be our portion to see years. 
Instead of days, perchance, what now endears 



73 



Our home to us may transitory be, 

But that rests with a higher power; may He 

Who doeth all things well, let blessings fall 
Upon this home; the future we leave all 
With him, and we take up our new life 
Within these walls with joy and courage rife. 

Yes, this is home; no word hath sweeter sound 
To human ears; within we look around, 
Here Happiness enthroned sits, and here 
Fair Hope and Peace come forth with welcome 
cheer. 

Shadows must fall we know in coming days; 
No life dwells alway in the sunlight's rays. 
Sorrow may enter, an unwelcome guest. 
But we will trust in God, and leave the rest. 

So may it be, dear heart, that we shall know 

A little taste of heaven here below; 

But if this home be fair to mortal eyes, 

Oh! what shall be those " mansions in the skies ?" 



THE GIPSY'S GREETING 

From the wildwood's deep recess. 
O'er the softly greening sward, 

Round the caldron's welcome cheer. 
Gather the Nomadic horde. 



74 



Voices chant in unison, 

Warmest greetings to the clan, 
And the echoing woods resound, 

For the brotherhood of man. 

Hark! that low and weird refrain, 
And the shadows come and go, 

Weaving hues fantastically, 
In the firelight's fitful glow. 

Soothing calm's environment, 
Bids us leave dull care behind, 

Borne to us a joyousness. 

With the whispering of the wind. 

Moon soft shining in the east. 
Shed o'er us thy lambent light, 

Stars above illume the scene, 

With thy many lamps so bright. 

Gazing down the mystic track, 
Of the future's dim expanse. 

See yon maidens wait to greet, 
Each one with an untried lance. 

Question now their matchless gift, 
They will read thy life for thee, 

By the aid of Stars and Cards, 
And the art of Palmistry. 



75 



Let us from the caldron now, 
Drink a health to each and all, 

Mysteries of Gipsy lore, 
Make the cup symbolical. 

Of the Future now we quaff, 
Let us thus imbibe in truth. 

All the joyousness of life. 

Freedom, Hope — perennial Youth. 



PLAYMATES 

Elizabeth, Ethel, Gladys, Marie, 

Under the shade of the crab-apple tree, 

Green boughs o'er-arching and checkered with 

blue. 
Glimpsing the hue of the sky shining through, 
There in the summertide happy and free, 
Are Elizabeth, Ethel, Gladys, Marie. 

Little feet falling on carpet of green. 

Tresses imprisoning 'wildering sheen 

Of the sunlight; and, echoing back on the ear. 

Rippling laughter so merry and clear. 

Bird songs and murmuring voice of the bee, 

For Elizabeth, Ethel, Gladys, Marie. 

Wild flowers abloom in the fields all around. 
Gathered by little hands, little heads crowned 
With nodding white daisies, small queens of the 
May, 

76 



Gather the beauty and joy of today, 
Happier days than these ne'er will you see, 
Elizabeth, Ethel, Gladys, Marie. 

Under the shade of the crab-apple tree, 
Four little maidens have afternoon tea. 
While the dollies and pug most demurely behave, 
Admitted as guests to this merry conclave. 
Dwelling in childhood's fair Arcady, 
Are Elizabeth, Ethel, Gladys, Marie. 



THE SIMPLE LIFE 

Far from the busy mart the strenuous pace, 
Of warring natures, and the wearing strain. 

Of daily conflict, from ignoble race. 

For fortune and the greedy love of gain, — 

Where noise and hurrying feet make clangors 
din. 

And the brain whirls with the confusion rife. 
To Nature's temple garnished within, 

To pleasant byways and the simple life. 

Here rests my heart in soothing quietude. 

Let me but breathe this atmosphere of peace, 

Naught that is jarring can its face intrude. 
In my domain all pressing worries cease. 



77 



Bird, flower and greensward each a mission has, 
And they are ministering spirits; each bestows 

Its quota full of blessing, in these paths, 

The trees throw gratefu 1 shade, and bending 
low, 

Murmur a cadence; while beyond the sun, 
Bathes all in golden, life-imparting rays, 

And Nature's chorus each and every one, 
Proclaims the glory of the quiet days. 

Not only summer's solstice gives its joy. 
But every season has its charm and sway, 

And he who delves deep for the bright alloy, 
Shall find the many treasures on the way; 

With leisure for the best things life can give, 
For books and music, life in the open, all 

Of freedom's thought, and gaining strength to 
live. 
Find much in living to enchant — enthrall. 

Life at its best, and not the fevered tide. 
That sweeps all with it in onrushing strife, 

But peace and happiness traveling side by side. 
And benedictions of the simple life. 

THE AFTERGLOW 

The lingering roseate clouds at day's decline 
Upon the western sky, so rich, so bright, 
The world transfigures by their beauteous light 
And crowns it with a glory half divine. 
78 



So when some well-spent life has passed away 
It leaves behind it bright-hued memories, 
And vanquished by their beauty darkness flies 
And leaves a glow of everlasting day. 



THE HIGHEST 

Aim for the highest, onward to the goal, 

Press thy unfaltering feet, nor pause before. 
Thou comest to the portals of the door, 

That compasseth the treasures of the soul. 

Be not content with any but the best. 

Nor lower thy standard from its glorious 

height. 
Toward the zenith see the eagle's flight. 

It seeks the highest e'er it finds its rest. 

Thine armor thou must ever strongly gird. 
Think not the valiant struggle is in vain; 
Naught e'er is useless, glorious is the gain, 
"To him that overcometh," saith the Word. 



AFAR 

Afar we hear the music of the spheres, 
But dim and faintly sweet the melody 
Falls on the deafening of human ears, 
That only hear uncomprehendingly. 



79 



Afar we hear the earthly heartbreak cry, 
And feel our sympathies alive for pain 
That there is in the world, then pass it by, 
And seize the joy of living once again. 

Afar we cry to Heaven when sorrows sweep 
Us with their sable pall; we realize 
How vain is earthly aid, so, as we weep, 
We look petitioning beyond the skies. 

Afar! Afar! O mockery of Afar, 
Diminish distance, break the chains of earth, 
That drag us down; and rise to meet that star, 
That brilliantly betokens a new birth. 

Not for the moment but alway to be. 

True to ourselves, to each and all to God — 

The gift of life to accept thankfully, 

And with firm faith "to pass beneath the rod." 



THY NAME 

Fair spirit with the calmness on thy brow, 
And weariness indwelling thy soft eyes, 
Tell us thy name, that we may recognize. 
Thee when we meet, we pray, thee, tell it now. 

Unwearied vigils, watchfulness, and care. 
And ever dwells with thee the selfless thought, 
A faithfulness so true, ne'er can be bought 
Such treasure; and with it can naught compare. 
80 



We saw thee when thy steady watch thou kept, 
O'er one who tossed bound in a leash of pain, 
And soothing with thy touch, until again 
The eyelids closed, and "His beloved slept." 

But thou, fair spirit, art thou from above ? 
Thy form is earthly, yet in thee there lies 
A heavenly patience — art thou sacrifice? 
Not sacrifice, she murmured softly — love. 



FOR THY DEAR SAKE 

For thy dear sake I take the burden up, 
Naught can allay to me the sense of loss, 
And all the things of this world seem but dross, 
Without thy presence; yet I drink the cup 
For thy dear sake. 

Hoping 'gainst hope that thou wilt come again. 
And turn my darkness into radiant day. 
For all my troubles then would melt away. 
And joy uprising take the place of pain. 
For thy dear sake. 

Memory unstilled assails me day by day. 
Once ran our lives in unison, happily. 
Ah me! the bliss only to live — to be — 
How could I dream that bliss would pass away — 
For thy dear sake. 



8i 



I hope on — blindly, walking in the shade, 
Sometime thou must hear this prayer of mine. 
Forgive the past, and, with thy love divine. 
Crown me the happiest mortal God e'er made. 
For thy dear sake. 

I live my life and try to make it good, 
With no hope of reward I struggle on. 
But take no leisure time to dwell upon 
The mockery of the past — misunderstood 
For thy dear sake. 

Love, can'st thou hear me grieving through the 

night 
O! where art thou ? Send me one word to cheer 
My solitude — O thou alway most dear. 
It's been a long, enduring, patient fight 
For thy dear sake. 



A CYCLE OF TWENTY-FIVE lYEARS 

{Written for a Silver Wedding Anniversary) 

From memory's storehouse treasures bring, 

Enhancing joy tonight, 
And let sweet-toned bells softly ring. 

Over the year's swift flight. 

Fond recollection wings its way, 

Over life's guiding chart. 
Where scintillates a happy day, 

When joined were hand and heart. 
82 



Cemented by a tie so strong, 

No severance it fears, 
And lightly bears the burden of 

The five and twenty years. 

Sunlight and shade those years have known, 

But all along the way. 
The star of love and trust has shown, 

Uplifting by its ray. 

Hearth, home, and child are blessings meet, 

For earthly sojourn here, 
And with a rhythm oft repeat. 

Incomparable cheer. 

And now a heartfelt toast we raise, 

This anniversary night, 
May joy betide the coming days, 

And make thy future bright. 



A LITTLE GIRL'S LETTER TO 
SANTA CLAUS 

Dear Santa Claus, as you well know, 

Christmas steals on apace; 
And, benefactor as you are 

To ail the human race. 



83 



We've surely but to ask for what 

We want; our faith in you 
Is great. We know you won't forget. 

How, Santa — just a few 

Things that I want. Of course a doll 
Or two and books; I've read 

All that I have. I love them though; 
And then I'd like a sled. 

So when the snow is on the ground, 

I can go out and play, 
Perhaps I'll get a jolly ride 

With Nellie and the sleigh. 

For Christmas bring another horse, 
There's nothing I like better; 

A brass drum and fine tin horn — 
This may be a long letter. 

But I should like a dolly's bed, 
And, oh! a Christmas tree, 

All lighted up with candles bright 
And glittering beautifully. 

And candy — for I'm very fond 
Of sweets, as you may guess; 

A stomach ache they give me, too, 
I might as well confess. 



84 



There's other things I'd like, but will 

Not ask for more, because 
I think that's plenty for this time; 

Good by, dear Santa Claus. 

"A Holiday Girl' 



TO MY MOTHER ON HER 
EIGHTIETH BIRTHDAY 

Adown the path of many years, 
Life's lights and shadows lie. 

And memory but to thee endears, 
The days that are gone by. 

Filled full, as all our days must be. 
With joys and sorrows too, 

But let us hope the joys with thee, 
Have far outweighed the rue. 

And, looking back, the blessings fall. 
And sunshine's warming rays. 

And happily to thee recall 
The pleasurable days. 

Banish the sadness, dwelling too 
Upon those days well spent. 

And thy reply to sufferings call 
Thy feet in mercy bent. 



85 



Where pain and grief seemed conquerors, 
Thy soothing touch was given. 

And human link of sisterhood. 
Was thus more firmly riven. 

And now^ the cup of "Auld Lang Syne" 
We'll quaff: — and here's to thee, 

May many birthdays more be thine, 
Health and serenity. 



RETROSPECT 

Life's lessons have been learned, I've conned 

them o'er. 
Until my years now number full fourscore; 
At first, impatient of my tasks, I spent 
My time bemoaning their accomplishment. 

They have been hard, God only knows the pain 
Of mastering them, the loss weighed with the 

gain; 
Now I have learned them well, found that they 

give 
The knowledge that enables us to live. 

Stilled is the anguish that once cried aloud, 
The silver lining shines beneath the cloud; 
And passing on I, in that brighter sphere, 
Shall win the crown for which I've striven here 



86 



THE AWAKENING 

Waves of light and shadow, 
Over the wind-swept plain, 

Then the beating of raindrops. 
Suddenly ceasing again. 

Torrid gleams of sunshine, 
Upspringing, greening grass. 

Then comes the tender budding, 
Nipped by the frost, alas! 

Each day earth grows warmer, 

The sky a deeper blue, 
Each day more buds than blossoms, 

Everything fresh and new. 

Chorus of glad bird-voices, 
Bluebird, robin and wren. 

And others, all singing gaily, 
In clear harmonious paean. 

Dandelions gay dot the meadows, 
With a plentiful golden shower. 

Tulips, crocus and cowslip, 
All contribute their dower. 

Carried about by the south wind. 
Is the scent of lilac bloom. 

Sweetness, and light, and beauty, 
Banish the cold and gloom. 



87 



Rivers and brooks unchained. 
Merrily gurgle along, 

Freed from a mighty tyrant, 
Released from an icy thong. 

Singing, "We too, contribute 
Musical hymn of praise," 

Thankful for broken fetters. 
Glad of the coming days. 

Louder the jubilant chorus, 
Longer the hours of light, 

Brighter the hues of sunset. 
Velvet the breeze of night. 

Nature's eyes are opening. 
With many a smile and tear. 

For the long deep sleep is over. 
And lo! the spring is here. 



SNOW BIRDS 

Small footprints, lingering on my window sill, 

A flutter and a twittering among 
The naked branches of the tree, until 

I almost fancy I can hear a song. 

Not quite a song; but gurgling little notes, 
That fill the frosty air with cheerfulness. 

Out swelling of the pretty little throats 
And ruffling of the dainty quaker dress. 



They shyly come to take the crumbs I spread, | 
The keen eyes glancing 'round with alarm, |i| 

Then, finding naught to cause them fear or dread 
They take my bounty, feeling free from harm. 

Their bright eyes look upon my window pane, 
They twitter, and I almost hear them say, 

"Do not forget the crumbs, we'll come again, 
Good by — good by, we'll have more snow 
today." 

WINTER 

I SEE a figure coming o'er the wold, 

And with its nearer coming, swift and bold. 

All nature pales and shivers with the cold. 

It brings fierce wind and snow within its train, 
It says, "I come among you once again. 
Holding a benison not untouched by pain." 

For mortals, pain, with thought of vanished 

hours. 
That passed so swiftly in those sunny bowers. 
All softly lined and beautiful with flowers. 

Of joy that here new beauty glows and gleams, 
And all the fair redundancy of dreams. 
Surpassed by finer visions, fairer scenes. 



89 



A glimmering, glittering world, untarnished 
Filled with calm beauty and unteneted 
By voice or jar; and vividly the red 

Of westering sun across the snowy sweep, 
Illuminates with glory, and the deep 
Stillness of nature in its beauteous sleep. 

Unbroken slumber till the lengthening 

Of days and advent of the bird choir bring 

Announcement of the coming of the Spring. 

RETURN OF THE BIRDS 

For many months far off in southern climes, 
Have rung the cadences we dearly love 
While balmy air and orange-scented grove 

Have kept the songsters at those fragrant shrines. 

Today, with close of winter's long, hard reign, 
A sound of dulcet music smites the ear. 
And warblings and echoes high and clear. 

Proclaim that Spring is with us once again. 

IN MEMORIAM (Mother) 

After long span of years the final rest, — 

So short they seemed, those years that were 
well spent. 
Love, duty — these the watchwords were that 
lent 

90 



Wings to those years and made them seem so 
blest. 

A life that never nursed a selfish thought, 
A life all rounded with a noble aim. 
To do its best, and alway with the same 

Steadfastness of its purpose finely wrought. 

The checkered lights of joys and sorrows lay 
Upon the road: and over the decades, 
Now one; and now the other rises — fades. 

But ever Hope's sweet angel points the way. 

So many dear ones have "passed on before," 
So many dear ones in that other land, 
Those loved by thee — a bright and happy 
band 

Have met and welcomed thee at Heaven's door. 

We miss thee with the passing of the hours, 
The seasons as they come and go; the Spring 
That thou didst love will ever seem to bring 

Thy presence near us; and the summer flowers 

Will bear a message to us as from thee. 

For thou did'st dearly love them, each and all, 
Their fragrance and their beauty will recall 

To us thy ever blessed memory. 



91 



A mother's love, unfathomable, wide, 

We feel it with us though thou't gone away, 
Its influence round us always till that day 

When we shall meet beyond life's stormy tide. 



GATES AJAR 

I SAW great pillars red, and blue and gold. 
Symmetrically rise, and grand and bold 
Stand out against a background pearly white. 
As if an angel's wings just hovered o'er 
The entrance opened by a golden door. 
And touched it softly with a heavenly light. 



ON THE SHREWSBURY 

Over the waters on we glide, 
Borne along by the rising tide. 
Over the waters dark and wide. 
On and on go we. 

Musical dip and rhythm of oar. 
Breaks on the stillness, and before 
Sounds in our ears the deepening roar 
Of the ever restless sea. 

Naught between but a belt of sand, 
Dividing ocean and river, and 
Over it salt-laden breezes fanned 

By Neptune's mighty power. 
92 



With the flow of the water rose and sank 
Fair undulations of river bank 
Bordered by mosses and grasses dank, 

And the gathering twilight hour; 

Falls on the spirit, bringing peace 
From the world's alarms, and a calm surcease 
Of turbulence — as a great release 
From all that is strenuous. 

The magic of twilight, the stillness supreme, 
And in the dark water the beautiful gleam, 
That falls from the oar as it turns in the stream 
Of the wonderful phosphorus. 

All is limned on bright pages of value untold, 
Fair portraits with framing of silver and gold. 
Which memory's storehouse to us can unfold 
Those portraits surpassing all art. 

For they hold the imprint of by-gone happy 

times, 
When we saw fairest visions and listened to 

chimes. 
That appealed to our senses like sweet-sounding 

rhymes, 
And filled with contentment the heart 



93 



THE THRUSH 

From out the wooded depth there comes a note. 
Long drawn, and sweet, and clear, it seems to 

float 
Along with soft cool prescience of delight. 

It rises, falls, and rises once again, 
As if with its deliverance it would fain 
Carry the listener with it in its flight. 

Into the blue ether on it goes, 
Weighted with joy and pathos as it rose. 
Then comes the interlude of solemn hush, 

Followed by faint afar prolonged strain. 
Nearer and nearer, gladdening again 
The waiting ear with music of the thrush. 



TO GLADYS 

Into the world there came one day 
With a form of earthly guise 

A spirit right from Heaven above 
With a questioning in its eyes. 

We said, "Dear little one, welcome here 
Within our arms' soft fold," 

And kept our treasure, valuing it 
More precious than jewels or gold. 



94 



Love without stint has there for thee been 

My darling — for fairer gem 
No mortal owns, not even a queen 

And not a diadem 

Is set with more priceless ornament 
Than our home now crowned by thee, 

A precious gift from the Father sent 
And one that we thankfully 

Accept, with a prayer that thy life, dear one, — 
May with blessings be circled round, 

And that the golden rays of the sun 
May ever by thee be found. 

Though the winds blow chill and some clouds 
arise, 

May they only a shadow throw. 
That shall be dispelled by the roseate skies 

And scarce trouble the ebb and flow 

Of thy life; as the path that thy feet must tread 

Is presented from day to day. 
And the loving, watchful hand of God 

Shall always point out the way. 

HUNTING SONG 

The horn sounds over the bracken, 

Up, up at the dawn of day. 
Now saddle and bridle our horses, 

'Tis off — 'tis off and away. 

95 



Away in the freshness of morning, 
We follow the hounds' keen scent, 

And we fly along with jest and song, 
To betoken our merriment. 

The wild free wind is blowing, 

And nothing can block our course, 

Our hearts beat high 'neath the Autumn sky. 
And Centaur, like man and horse, 

Vaults o'er the fields and fences — 

Courage: the goal is won; 
To none we yield — but ahead of the field 

And the brush when the day is done. 



TING-A-LING-A-LING 

"/^ Long-distance Cry* 

Not claiming yet to be a saint, 
'Tis wearily I make my plaint. 

Quite "up to date" I choose to be, 
And so embrace "new things" you see. 

"Conveniences" fill my abode 
And lighten many a weary load. 

Yet Hydra-headed prove to be. 
And oft a huge monstrosity. 



96 



'Gainst one of these I lift my moan: 
The ever-present telephone. 

'Midst calm repose and soothing quiet, 
After a day of din and riot 

Comes ting-a-ling-a-ling-a-ling, 
And frantically repeats the ring. 

"Hello!" "Hello!" "What's that you say .?" 
"Don't know one by that name!" "What?" 
"Eh?" 

"Not Bryant, — Brown." — " Now who are 

you r 
"Can't hear a word. Well, are you through?" 

(From Central) "No; just hold the wire," 
"What! I'm a most infernal liar! 

Some other man is cutting in. 
And swearing — really 'tis a sin. 

"Who is this talking? Colonel Pine," 
"Don't know him; you're on the wrong line " 

"What is this number; tell me please" — 
Buz-z-z-z — hear this thing wheeze. 

"Well then try sixty-two — don't care." 
Returning to my easy chair, 



97 



I fall, exhausted, — ting-a-ling, 
Again rings out that fiendish thing. 

"Well, Kitty Brown, how do you do? 
Guess who this is, — I'll give you two." 

"Yes, that is right, your dear friend, Nance; 
I haven't seen you since the dance. 

"Will Lewis took me home last night, 
And kissed me, too, yes, honor bright. 

"It's time I think the dear boy popped 

The question, — ma says — 'must be stopped.* 

"What ? you are tired; well, I'm most through, 
I'm sure I'd do the same for you. 

"Now wait a minute," — ting-a-ling, 
"You know I tell you everything." 

**Oh, no one hears us; I should die 
If anyone — oh, well — good by. " 

Methought now this time I will beat 
A hasty, desperate retreat, 

But ting-a-ling-a-ling-a-ling, 
Arrested my swift vanishing. 



98 



"Is this Miss Brown?" Ah! yes, 'twas I 
Should I affirm or just deny? 

I courage gained; insistent came 

The question, "Say — is that your name? 

"Is this Miss Brown?" again, she said, 
"No" — I replied, "Miss Brown is dead.'' 



THE TRYST 

In the old days when twilight fell. 

And little twinkling stars 
Came through the canopy of Heaven, 

I met you at the bars. 

The summer wind was soft and sweet, 

The flowers around us grew. 
And I would climb the old rail fence 

And wait, my love, for you. 

The sunset glow burned in the west, 

And suddenly a bird 
Chirped a good night, and 'cross the fields 

The Angelus was heard. 

I thought no fairer scene could be. 
But when at length you came. 

The scene was fairer still to me, 
My heart leaped into flame. 



99 



time! — O space! — O lagging hours! 
That 'twixt my love and me 

Stretch out interminable length, 
Wide-spreading as the sea. 

1 sent a message to you dear 
By Cupid's messenger, 

This heart of mine, so fond and true 
I gave to him to bear. 

Tonight I'll be at the old place. 

And underneath the stars, 
I pray you'll come to me and find 

Me vi^aiting at the bars. 

TO MY LOVE 

The dawning of the springtime. 

The songsters warble clear. 
The magic of a heartfelt rhyme, 

All that is sweet and dear, 
Makes this a fair abiding place 
Because reflected in thy face. 

TO GLADYS 

My daughter; my own daughter; thy small feet, 
Have walked along the road a little way, 

And only flowers have strewn their blossoms 
sweet. 
To make the joy of thy life's holiday. 

100 



Naught can take from thee childhood's happy 
time, 
Among the flowers the thorns may sometimes 
spring, 
But in the storm remember the sunshine 

And cherish not the thorns' advertent sting. 

1 would that I could ever by thy side 
Dwell in the joy of thy deep happiness. 

But yet the passing years may us divide, 
And I shall not be then to guide and bless. 

Yet, if God will it, distant is the day; 

When we will separated be, for oh! 
To part with thee and be so far away, 

It seems to me I could not bear it so. 

IN DREAMS 

I ne'er again shall look upon thy face. 
Ne'er hear the music of thy voice and feel 

Upon my lips thy kisses sweet and warm, 
Or magic of thy presence o'er me steal. 

But when I slumber, woo, there comes to me, 
What to me waking alway is denied, 

A vision of thy face — I seem to see, 
And happily I linger at thy side. 

Dreams, dreams, ye transient, evanescent 
things. 
Of what are ye composed ? Perhaps thou art 
By that far world of spirits sent; it brings 
The mystic world close to the mind and heart. 
lOI 



GOD'S GLORY 

"The Heavens declare the glory of God, and the 
firmament showeth His handiwork." 

Psalm 19, I. 

God's glory: aye, as far as eye can reach, 
The multitudinous stars with glimmering light, 
Begem the firmament; 'tis thus that night 
Showeth God's glory, far beyond all speech. 

By day, by night — portrays the wondrous dome 
Omnipotence, — a testimony given, 
To light the way and lead us up to Heaven. 

Inspiring Faith to aid us reach our home. 



102 



A GREETING 

Approaching with a peal of bells, 

Comes Christmas, and the gladsome sound 

Is caught and echoes through the world, — 
Another year has rolled around. 

A wish: May this Yuletide for thee 
Dawn with a glowing, merry cheer, 

And may the following days be bright 
And bring a happy, glad New Year. 



THE CITY 

The crowded thoroughfare, the 'wildering maze, 
Of jostling throngs that line the noisy ways, 
The mingled sounds that cause the steady beat, 
And loud reverberations of the street. 

And yet to one accustomed to it all, 
The city has a loud, a potent call; 
Sounds that are rural seem unmusical. 
Filled with a measure unattuned and dull. 

At night along the wonderful "white way" 
The brilliancy surpasses that of day, 
And the innumerable mellow lights that gleam, 
Make all as fair, as filled, Alladin's dream 



103 



THE COUNTRY 

Now " near to Nature's heart" we turn our feet, 
And wander forth in byways pure and sweet 
Here we commune with God and here we see 
The evidences of His majesty. 

The mountains' grandeur, the pure atmosphere 
Seems far above the world, remote and clear. 
And wonderingly we look upon the sea 
And feel its charm and its immensity. 

By night the starlit dome above us bends, 
And to the scene the moon her beauty lends, 
No rude disturbing element intrudes. 
There is a charm in all of Nature's moods. 



A LETTER TO BE OPENED AT SEA 

I'm thinking of thee, dear one, of thee, 
Cans't feel the thought telepathy ? 
May skies serene o'erarch thy way, 
And joy betide thee day by day. 
Over the ocean the good ship sails, 
Carried we trust by favoring gales, 
And the beauty and riches beyond the sea 
Unfold in their prodigality, 
Storing heart and brain with a cogent sense 
Of grandeur and magnificence, 
But as leaves are turned of the Old World's 
Tome, 

104 



Give a thought between to the friends at home. 
Thus flowers are pressed 'tween pages bright 
Like memory's flowers; and will thou indite 
A message to those in friendship's chain, 
Who will welcome thee at home again ? 
For thy pleasure and safe return, I send 
This fervent wish from thy loving friend. 



WHEN LOVE IS AT THE HELM 

The sky is blue, 
The hearts are true. 

Storms cannot overwhelm. 
As o'er the tide 
We gayly ride. 

When love is at the helm. 
When love is at the helm, my dear. 

When love is at the helm. 
There's nothing makes the heart to fear 

When love is at the helm. 

To a magic rune, 

By the light of the moon, 

We will seek a beautiful realm, 
And happily float, 
In our fairy boat, 

When love is at the helm. 
When love is at the helm, dear one, 

When love is at the helm. 
Our lives will pass in unison, 

When love is at the helm. 

105 



CHATEAU EN ESPAGNE 

They rise so fair, those castles, 
So lofty, great and grand, 

I see them in their beauty 

Fresh from the builder's hand. 

The turrets are all gilded, 

The domes magnificent. 
And flags are flying gaily. 

From every battlement. 

And music fills the silence. 

Festivity the hall. 
And everyw^here the ready feet 

In dancing figures fall. 

And I among the number 

Tread many a measure there. 

And gather round the festive board. 
And quaff" the cup of cheer. 

Good-will and ringing laughter, 

Fraternity of hand. 
Naught that is melancholy, 

Shall chill that merry band. 

Bid me not leave my castles. 

My happiness is there, 
Oh, call them not illusions, 

Or castles in the air. 

io6 



Bid me not wake from dreaming, 
Bid me not have them razed, 

For in them dwells contentment 
And happiest of days. 



TO A HUMMING-BIRD 

Thou tiny bird on swiftly moving wing, 

An iridescent atom, vanishing 

Ere one can gaze upon thee, pretty thing. 

With whir and hum in summer's sunny hour 
Thou comest to my honeysuckle bower, 
Darting with gayety from flower to flower. 

So sweet the draught, a transport, a delight 
Is thine, and yet, in seeming swift affright 
Thou vanisheth, thou fascinating wight 



HEIMWEH 

These brilliant ways are not marked out for me, 
The limelight seems to me forever dim. 
With all that makes a desert spot wherein 

The feet must follow all unwillingly, 



107 



And to my eyes the longing tear-drops start, 
I seem a stranger, wandering, far from home, 
Amid the spacious halls I walk alone, 

And seem as one secluded and apart. 

So to my own dear country take me back, 
There is a joy within the humblest sphere 
If home and love and hearts are gathered 
there, 

It is enough for me, — I shall not lack. 



TO ON HER BIRTHDAY 

Bright flowers line your path today, 

Sunlight throws its beams; 
Gather roses while you may. 

May your happy dreams 
Be fulfilled — the future hold 

Cup with joy o'erbrimmed. 
And the page of life unfold, 

Beauty all undimmed. 



TO GLADYS GATHERING ROSES 

Gathering roses rich and rare, 
Little hands of perfect mould. 
And the glint of sunlights gold. 

Dwells within thy silken hair. 
You, the little rosebud queen. 
Sweet as are the flowers, I ween. 
io8 



TO 

Not many moons ago into my life, 
Entered a spirit, radiating light. 
Telling the flowers a sweeter fashioning. 
Teaching the birds to sing their songs aright. 
It was a spirit, yet of earth a part, 
Even it finds a place within my heart. 

SLUMBERLAND RIVER 

The Slumberland river is not very long, 

Now launched on its surface the craft gently 
glides. 
O'er bluest of billows, the smoothest of tides. 
It floats on and on in the wake of a song 
Hush-a-bye-hush. 

There's a golden head lying on a pillow of down 
A voice sweetly murmurs, "Mamma dear 

good night," 
The day is succeeded by purple twilight, 
And the boat has already passed by " Sleepy 
lown. 

Hush-a-by e-h ush . 

Oh, Slumberland river is peaceful and fair, 

No waves will arise to cause sudden alarm. 
No chilly winds blow, but protected and 

warm 
The passenger sails with a freedom from care. 
Hush-a-bye-hush. 
109 



Now the journey is ended, the boat is made fast, 
On that beautiful isle where the soft breezes 

blow, 
The river glides on in its musical flow, 
And the dear little traveler is anchored at last 
Hush-a-bye-hush. 



IN BLOSSOM TIME 

In blossom time you went away, 
And all the lengthening hours that day 
To evening sadly, slowly wore. 
All had been joyful hours before. 

And round, rich creamy masses hung, 
Like coverlet that had been flung 
O'er all the greening breast of earth. 
Or like a christening robe at birth 

Of summer; and the purity. 
And fragrance came appealingly, 
And strove their best to make me glad, 
But contrast only made me sad. 

Now blossom time again is here, 
And fringing roadside, path, and mere. 
Hang snowy clusters; and to me 
Comes the old joy and radiancy. 



no 



For down the blossom-bordered way, 
I saw you pass this fair spring day, 
You came my life to crown and bless. 
And filled it full of happiness. 



HOME LINKS 

There are three golden links so firmly riven. 
May God within His care keep them alway, 

Wrought upon earth and reaching far to heaven 
Safe in the light of everlasting day. 



MIRAGE 

O'er the lone desert not a living thing. 

Greets the strained eye, the arid atmosphere 

Is tense and suffocating, — bring, O bring 
To parched lips the water pure and clear. 

Here all is desolation; mark the sweep. 

Of the wide waste of sand, the yellow glow 

That fills the void around, and the low, deep 
Murmur as of an ocean's ebb and flow. 

On, ever on, the' strength and will grow weak, 
And still more feeble the despairing cry 

On the mute silence falls, "Oh, do not wreak 
Thy vengeance for my sins, but mercifully 



III 



"Send me thy succor; hear O God, my prayer, 

A miracle I pray, but yet a sign 
That I with gratitude may witness bear. 

Of thy great wondrous power and love divine. 

"Ah, yes, the answering light now in the east, 
I see it — streams of water flowing there. 

And life, renewing life for man and beast. 
Is near at hand in answer to my prayer." 

Woe, woe, it fades 'twas but a mockery; 

It fades and leaves the burning yellow sand, 
I faint, I die, and nearer — steadily 

Comes the Simoon by fearful frenzy fanned. 

On, yet its gone, and going, touched me not. 
What is it that I feel — it softly came. 

To cool the awful fever of my brow. 

And bring me dearest hope and life again. 

'Tis fragrant dew from heaven's copious store, 
A shower which drinking in both man and 
horse 

Revivifying strength now feel once more. 
And onward go to praise the hidden source. 



ROSES OR RUE 

In the coming days which shall it be, 

Roses for you and rue for me .? 

Or rue for your portion; roses my share, 

As we parted last night by the great hall stair, 

112 



With mutual consent since you deemed it wise 

I looked within your upturned eyes, 

And wondered then; did I read aright, 

If I saw there more than just "good-night?" 

You said farewell, so our lives divide, 
And separate by the restless tide. 
Only a memory to me will cling. 
Only a face it will always bring. 

And the hope that some day we may meet again, 
Will ease my heart of its loss and pain, 
And I shall be thinking of you — of you, 
Roses or rue, dear, roses or rue. 



BEACON LIGHTS 

Far across the waste of waters, 

With their countless flecks of foam, 

We may see tho' shining dimly. 
Beckoning beacon lights of home. 

Gayly start we on our journey. 
O'er the broad and untried way. 

Of life's great and changeful ocean. 
All the glorious light of day. 

Clings about our ship's new timbers 
Sunlight streaming glad and free. 

Glistens in the swelling canvas 
White wings through infinity. 

"3 



Onward fly, but tarnished, tattered 
Grow they, while in helplessness, 

Struggle we toward the harbor, 

While our hopes grow less and less. 

Bow of promise in the heavens, 
Golden beams of setting sun. 

All proclaim we'll anchor safely 
Beacon lights of home are won. 



WITHIN 

Within the petals of a flower, 
The fragrance lies imprisoned. 

And thus in many a careless hour, 
We miss the treasure safely hid. 

Again we take the floweret up, 
Revealed to our waking sense, 

We find the honey in the cup 
And feel its sweet omnipotence. 



114 



THOU ART TO ME 

Thou art to me as flowers to sense, and sight 
As the glad sunlight flushing all the sky, 

As the calm beauty of the moon-washed night, 
Or as the Spring-time when it draweth nigh. 

To me thou art the cadence of a song, 

A wordless song, since naught can it express, 

And yet melodiously clear and strong, 
Within my heart it sings its loveliness. 

Thou art to me as all things rich and rare, 
Filling the vision with a vague delight, 

And ever can I see thine image there, 

Dispelling gloom and causing keen delight. 



TO TERPSICHORE 

The very poetry of motion: 
The rhythmic beat of evolution; 
The wide expanse of polished floor, 
There reigns the goddess, Terpsichore. 

Across the mirrored-like expanse, 
Exhilaration of the dance 
And to the music's gayest score 
Move devotees of Terpsichore. 



"5 



Hearts beating high, and brightening eyes. 
Betray the charms that exorcise 
Spirits malign; they fly before 
The magic wand of Terpsichore, 

And their successors buoyantly 
Proclaim joy's Open Sesame, 
And chant the praises, o'er and o'er, 
Of the fair goddess, Terpsichore. 



NIGHTINGALE 

In the hush of night. 
When the moon doth pale, 
And the white clouds sail 
On like wings of white, 
On the south winds' sigh 
Hear the wonderful note 
From a golden throat 
As it floateth by: 
It is here — it is there. 
Oh, the beauty — how strong, 
Is the nightingale's song. 
Like a fervent prayer. 



Ii6 



FROM MY WINDOW 

Not comparable to those stupendous heights, 
Which travelers gaze upon with awe supreme, 

These hills; yet crowned with ever-varying lights 
Of changing seasons, and they always seem 

To bear a message to me as I gaze 

From out my window; sometimes they are 
green 
With Spring's fresh verdure, hope, awaking days, 

Dispelling cold and frost; 'tis thus we deem 

Life well worth living, merging gently from 
The lovely promise to fruition, fair 

The golden summer days, narcotic hum 
Of myriad winged insects fills the air. 

And beauteous are the hills in emerald garb, 
The sun declining, outlines every crest 

With gold, and a kaleidoscope superb 
He grants the vision e'er he goes to rest. 

But now autumnal glory crowns the hills, 
And bright prismatic hues all softly blent 

Enfold them, and admiring vision fills. 
Bringing calm satisfaction and content. 



117 



Then fading day by day, at length they show 
A desolation — e'er we grieve to see 

And feel the sadness, comes the falling snow, 
And clothes them with a robe of purity. 

At every season seem they at their best, 
And blessing and encouragement they give, 

To the tired spirit benison of rest. 

And strength and cheering helpfulness to live. 

Ye hills, ye seem to me like sheltering arms 
Stretched out to shield from threatening cold 
and ills; 

A battlement, disquieting alarms. 

Cannot surmount thee, my beloved hills. 



ROBIN REDBREAST 

Robin, robin redbreast with the joyful note, 
Singing in the orchard close beside the moat. 
And the jubilancy of thy merry song, 
Banishes the sadness when the day is long. 

Robin, robin redbreast singing in the rain, 
Saying "Never, never mind, the sun will shine 

again. 
As for me, I love it, gentle summer shower, 
Safely screened from harm here in my vernal 

bower." 



ii8 



Hear the message clearly that the robin brings : 
"Cheer up, cheer up, saddened ones," thus he 

sweetly sings, 
"Though the rain is falling in thy life today, 
Still the sun is shining, and the clouds will pass 
away." 

L'ENVOI 

A WISH, a sigh, a heartfelt prayer. 
Were breathed upon the silent air, 
And each on loving mission went, 
To where one lay with anguish spent. 
And brought a welcoming release 
From pain, bestowing rest and peace; 
O potency of love and prayer, 
That wrought a transformation there. 



119 



:c us i&ij? 



